Amazing Grace: The Story of America's Most Beloved Song

This book offers two specific subjects which, when approached as dual or cause and effect, blend to offer hope to every dreamer and salvation to every sinner. The first subject addressed is the life of the author of the lyrics to "Amazing Grace," John Newton. His life of debauchery led him to enslavement on Plantain Island where, in dire circumstances he formed the words as a conversation with the God he had rejected. This man's life spans the lowest of lows, the highest of highs, backsliding into vulgarity and sin before becoming widely respected, a preacher for all people, and achieving his dream. The second subject is the hymn itself x-ray history in the church and the music annals of time, the names and dates of those who contributed to its success both in religious climates as well as entertainment, and the meaning of life. Presented in this fashion we have a beautifully written tribute to the man and the hymn. Very interesting and a great use of the reader's time.

I love Steve Turner books, and I love the song Amazing Grace. What a combination!...a work of history that reads like a good mystery novel! I couldn't put it down until I'd read it from cover to cover. This book has everything...a great redemption story, both for the man, Newton--and his song, which didn't really take off until someone put the perfect tune with it a hundred years later. Turner manages to present the context of Newton's theology in a scholarly way that will be informative, but not off-putting to those who are not into reformed theology. The secular life of the song is fascinating...to see how this song was popularized, and now touches millions. To me this song has what we wan't all music to have...something that touches our insides in a way we can't describe, but we know that it makes our lives more complete. And the biggest surprise of the book?...Newton became a slave-trader AFTER his conversion, and only opposed slavery much later in life. Considering how slowly America has repented of it's historic racism, there may be a lesson for us all as we see the sanctification that occurred over time in Newton's life.

Divided into what amounts to two books, the author masterfully tells the story of John Newton, the composer of one of Christendom's favorite hymns from his dark days as part of the slave trade and as a slave himself, to his salvation as a Christian, and even his influence on William Wilberforce, who lead the fight to end the slave trade in England.The second half of the book traces the history of the hymn itself. From country churches to concert halls and many recordings, the ups and downs of its popularity and surprising array of artists who have performed it. There is also an exhaustive and interesting list of films, references in other songs, a year by year discography and even a list of products using the "Amazing Grace" name.In sum, well written and interesting. From the thanks that I have received, I can attest to its being a wonderful gift.

Bought this for a school requirement!!! Came in good quality. Good reads too

Great book to make people aware of Jesus!

excellent reading

It was an interesting biography on Amazing Grace.

Still reading this, but it is an excellent book - mostly about the hymn itself, but also some about the author.

Excellent book very inspiring and well researched -and easy to read -a rare combination !

Ich hatte zuvor die Deutsche Version des Buches gelesen. Das Cover dieser Version hier gefällt mir leider nicht so sehr, wie das der deutschen. Außerdem wurde sehr, sehr viel Zusatzmaterial vorn an die eigentliche Geschichte angestellt durch das man sich erstmal durcharbeiten muss, ohne überhaupt zu wissen, dass dieses Buch eigentlich sehr spannend und lesenswert ist. Allerdings ist dafür auch einiges an Bildmaterial enthalten, was das ganze wieder interessant macht. Also für diejenigen, die noch mehr wissen wollen als nur die Geschichte zum Lied (in Romanform) klare Kaufempfehlung. Die schlankere deutsche Variante fand ich aber noch besser.

I was looking for the CD of this song by Judy Collins having heard a recording at a funeral. Once I had seen this book advertised I thought that I must get it. I am still reading it.